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The best computer gear for working from home 

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic sent millions of office workers home to work remotely, many professionals were already well in the habit of using a home office. The subsequent societal shifts and growing popularity of hybrid work arrangements are only increasing the importance of capable home work spaces. 

Louisville Geek has experience both working remotely and directly supporting clients and a multitude of end users who themselves are working from their own homes. Here are the products they’ve found to be among the best computer gear for working from home (WFH). Whether you use a Windows computer or a Mac, a laptop or a desktop, here’s worthy and reliable equipment you can count on to get work done well. 

Laptops 

Should you need a new business laptop, several candidates immediately come to mind when requiring a reasonable blend of performance and expense: 

Desktops 

Occasionally a desktop computer is just what’s needed to better enable working remotely. Here are a few common options: 

Docking stations 

If you use a laptop both at the office and at home, purchasing the right docking station can save you the trouble connecting, disconnecting and carrying cords each time you move between those two sites. Here are a couple powered docking stations to consider, just be sure to confirm each models’ available ports meet your specific needs: 

Displays 

Computer monitors are similar to cars in that there are a wide variety of models, features and capabilities. While some automobiles will safely transport you from points A to B, others do so in style and luxury. Displays are no different, from Acer’s SB220Q for $89 to Apple’s $1,599 Studio Display. Here are a few popular models sure to meet most users’ WFH needs: 

Mice & keyboards 

Don’t underestimate the importance of using a quality mouse and keyboard. While there’s always a temptation to recycle an old inexpensive spilled oatmeal-feeling keyboard that’s been collecting dust in the basement, recognize how impactful these two input devices are and the frequency with which each is used when working from home, then consider the following upgrades (which can be wirelessly paired to multiple computers): 

Printers 

While printing demand was decreasing before 2020, the pandemic injected new life into the category, with inkjet printers proving particularly popular. If you need to print from home, these models are commonly well rated: 

Headphones & ear buds 

Connecting to videoconferences is easier with good quality earbuds, which need not break the bank. Apple’s 3rd-Generation AirPods run just $179. But if you seek noise canceling capabilities, here are a couple popular alternatives: 

Webcams 

Odds are you may already have a webcam. Cameras are already built into iPhones, iPads, most Mac models and many common Windows computers. But if you find yourself needing a webcam to connect to videoconferences, here are three popular options: 

Power supplies & chargers 

Whether you need a USB-C or lightning cable or a corresponding charger, a few brands offer a variety of reliable options at competitive prices, including: 

Battery backups & surge protectors 

Competition is fierce in many homes for power outlets and USB chargers. Battery backups and surge protectors can help meet such needs and keep the peace. Here are three leading brands: 

Mesh routers 

The router powering your home’s wireless network can make a big difference in videoconferencing quality, not to mention streaming smoothness and the pace at which downloads complete. Unless you’re living in a small apartment or modest-size home, consider a mesh system that includes multiple satellites to better extend the network’s reach and performance. Here are several competing models that are consistently well reviewed: 

Storage 

Whether making backups or safeguarding documents, spreadsheets, presentations and other files, the need for external storage frequently arises when working from home. While a number of options exist, including cloud plans from the likes of Apple, Dropbox, Google and Microsoft, sometimes an external hard disk is what you need. Here are three leading options that don’t require an additional power source. Instead, they connect to your computer using a single USB cable (just be sure to check with your organization’s IT department before making backups or storing data in the cloud to ensure you don’t run afoul of data security standards). 

Old school pen & paper 

Not all remote work involves digital technologies and computers. Occasionally the need arises for traditional pen and paper, and there are a few trustworthy and economically priced options to consider, including: 

Desk chairs 

Avoid the temptation to spend long hours working from a dining room seat or an old desk chair that just happened to prove available when you needed to start working from home. Investing in a quality desk chair doesn’t mean you need to drop $1,320 for a Herman Miller Aeron that itself became an infamous symbol of excessive spending by Silicon Valley startups. Several reasonably priced alternatives are available, for which your back will thank you. 

Need help? 

Is your organization struggling to set up or support remote workspaces? Call our technology experts at (502) 897-7577 or email [email protected]. We’re happy to assist. 

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Louisville Geek is a privately-owned Information Technology company that provides comprehensive managed IT services for SMBs and organizations throughout Kentucky and the greater US.

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